The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, ZMT contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems (www.zmt-bremen.de).
The island of Hainan in the South China Sea is China's largest special economic zone in which agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and in particular tourism are of major importance. However, the exploitation of natural resources and the discharge of effluents impose a threat on water quality and health of coastal waters and ecosystems which build the foundation of booming tourism. Moreover, an upwelling area east of Hainan also influences the coastal zone. ECOLOC therefore aims to study the impact of environmental change on ecosystem health and the responsible processes, the understanding of which is mandatory for a sustainable management of the coastal zone.
For the coordination of and scientific work in the BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research) funded collaborative project ECOLOC (Environmental change affecting COastal ecosystems of tropical China during the Anthropocene: Landward vs. OCeanic influence) we are seeking for three scientists, each for a period of three years, starting earliest on October 1, 2015.
For the subproject "Seagrass" we are seeking a
Research Associate (PhD-position)
- 50 %- position, EG 13, (Reference number 3) -
The major goal of the subproject "Response of seagrasses to aquaculture effluents and the filtering capacity of seagrass meadows for anthropogenic nutrients and organic matter" is to assess (i) how various seagrass species respond to increased inputs of land-derived substances and (ii) if seagrass meadows as a whole can serve as a sink for anthropogenic nutrients and pollutants and hence as a buffer for coral reefs. This shall be achieved with an interdisciplinary approach including biogeochemical, ecological and plant-physiological methods.
Your tasks include:
Preparation of and participation in expeditions;
To map the current distribution and status of coastal ecosystems, in particular of seagrass meadows in the study area;
To measure water quality status parameters;
To conduct experiments at key positions in seagrass meadows;
To perform analysis of samples during field campaigns and in ZMT labs;
Statistical evaluation and visualization of obtained data;
Presentation of results in workshops and conferences;
To contribute to the preparation of reports and publications.
We expect from you:
A Master or Diploma degree, preferentially in marine biology or geosciences and with specific interest in biogeochemistry and seagrass ecology;
Very good English skills, knowledge of German and Chinese language are an asset;
Willingness to travel abroad for several weeks, in particular to China;
Very good swimming and snorkeling skills and willingness to work on small boats;
Profound analytical skills;
Knowledge of ArcGIS is an asset;
Ability to work independently and with high commitment for the project;
Willingness to work in a team in an interdisciplinary and multicultural work environment.
The candidate will have the opportunity to conduct a doctorate. For additional information please contact Dr. Lucia Herbeck (Phone +49-421-23800-47, e-mail: lucia.herbeck@zmt-bremen.de) and/or PD Dr. Tim Jennerjahn (Phone +49-421-23800-44, e-mail: tim.jennerjahn@zmt-bremen.de).
The employment contracts follow the regulations of the German Collective agreement of the States (TV-L). The ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualification receive preferential status. Please send your complete set of application documents as a single pdf file until July 19, 2015 via e-mail to Mrs. Sanz Jannke (bewerbung@zmt-bremen.de) and indicate the reference "3 - Seagrass".
We start reviewing applications from July 20, 2015. The call is open until filled. For financial reasons we cannot refund travel expenses. Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Fahrenheitstrasse 6, D-28359 Bremen.
